Definition Of Gentle Yoga
There is a subset of classes specifically labeled hatha which is characterized by a focus on gentle asana without any flow between poses.
Definition of gentle yoga. It is less intense so it can be very useful for people who are not capable of fulfilling the demands of other practices such as seniors women who are pregnant practitioners who are recovering from injury those who are in very poor physical condition or even those who are simply looking for a more relaxed workout. An effective gentle yoga class provides a safe effective compassionate non competitive environment that is welcoming to all. Gentle yoga can refer to a variety of types of yoga classes taught by teachers from various styles of yoga. Gentle yoga i think is the true yoga.
Gentle yoga in particular can be relaxing and help enhance range of motion. Whether you teach a standing flow or with the entire class on the floor gentle yoga moves slowly and mindfully allowing every student to move safely into each pose with sufficient time to employ props and make adjustments. Gentle yoga because of its innate gentle nature is perfect for those who cannot meet the demands of physically straining exercises. The stretches in gentle yoga may still cause sweating and tiredness but the focus is more on gentle stretching and slow movements ultimately leading to a more relaxing experience that is far less strenuous on the body.
One widely used definition of hatha is movement so any asana class is a hatha class. Gentle yoga is a yoga style which as its name suggests is very gentle in its approach and therefore not as strenuous as the other practiced forms of yoga. In my early teaching days most people who came to gentle yoga were pregnant women and seniors with injuries. Now we have arrived at a place where we are learning to be gentle with our body.
Nearly every type of yoga class taught in the west is hatha yoga. Like other styles of yoga gentle yoga relieves stress increases flexibility calms the mind and strengthens the body. Most group yoga classes in the united states could be categorized as hatha yoga. Hatha yoga can mean a lot of things.
Reconciling your own definition of gentle yoga with that of your students will be important in offering a class that is helpful and rewarding for all. Gentle has been adopted into the yoga lexicon to describe a style of practice that focuses on stretching and breathing not feats of strength or extreme flexibility. The dictionary definition of gentle is along the lines of moderate or mild. How gentle yoga is different.
A form of hatha yoga gentle yoga is perfect for the. We jumped we did a million planks and down dogs and we stayed in a pose for five minutes. Gentle yoga is a style of yoga that is far less strenuous than other forms. Hatha yoga is a generic term that refers to any type of yoga that teaches physical postures.